Important Dates and Election Information
- Last Day to Request an Absentee By-Mail Ballot: Tuesday, Oct. 29
- Deadline to Return an Absentee By-Mail Ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 5 (must be received, not just postmarked)
- Last Day of Early In-Person Voting: Thursday, Oct. 31
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Quick Overview of Voting
Voter Registration
The deadline to register to vote for the general election is Monday, Oct. 7. Visit the state’s voter information portal to check your registration status.
Absentee Voting
Absentee by-mail ballots are available for certain voters, including individuals 60 and older and people traveling outside their county during early voting and on Election Day.
Early Voting
You can vote early in person at your county election commission office or at a satellite early voting location, if your county offers one. Early voting usually starts 20 days before an election and ends five days before.
Voting at the Polls
Polls are open on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Hours may vary by location. A federal or state-issued photo ID, like a U.S. passport or Tennessee driver’s license, is required to vote on Election Day.
Recent Voting Changes in Tennessee
- In 2024, lawmakers shortened the voting period in nursing homes from 29 days before an election to 27 days.
- Redistricting in early 2022 changed the boundaries of some U.S. congressional and state legislative districts. These changes are being challenged in court, so check back for updates.
- Convicted felons may regain their right to vote in certain situations. Visit the secretary of state’s website for more information.
How to Register to Vote
You can register online, by mail, or in person:
Online
Use the state’s voter registration portal to register or update your registration status. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. A Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ID or a Tennessee driver’s license is required to complete the application.
By Mail
Print a voter registration form, fill it out, and mail it to your county election commission office. You can also contact your county election commission to request that a form be mailed to you. Forms are also available at public libraries, county election commissions, registers of deeds, or county clerk’s offices.
In Person
Visit your county election commission office to fill out or return a completed registration form. You can also register during appointments with the Department of Human Services, Department of Health, or other locations listed on the secretary of state’s website.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
Tennessee does not allow registration on Election Day. You must register to vote about one month before the election. For the Nov. 5 general election, the deadline is Monday, Oct. 7.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
You can check your registration status through the state’s voter information portal or the GoVoteTN app.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Absentee voting is available under certain circumstances, including for anyone 60 or older, individuals traveling out of town during early voting and on Election Day, residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities, and those who are hospitalized or have a physical disability preventing them from voting at a polling place. A full list of valid reasons is on the secretary of state’s website. Some residents may qualify for the permanent absentee voter list.
Online
Complete an absentee by-mail request form and email it to your county election commission office. Be sure to include a picture of your signature, your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, reason for voting absentee, and the specific election for which you are requesting a ballot. A ballot will be mailed to you once your application is processed.
By Mail or Fax
Download, print, and complete an absentee by-mail request form, then mail or fax it to your county election commission office.
In Person
Applications cannot be submitted in person.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
You must return your completed absentee ballot by mail, using the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, or another mail carrier. In-person delivery of ballots is not allowed. Be sure to mail your ballot in time for your county election commission to receive it by the close of polls on Election Day.
Track your absentee ballot status via the state’s voter services portal.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
Any registered voter can vote early and in person at their county election commission office or a satellite location. Early in-person voting for the general election runs from Wednesday, Oct. 16, through Thursday, Oct. 31.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Access the GoVoteTN app for information on polling locations, sample ballots, and election results. Polling hours vary by county, but all locations close at 7 p.m. CT or 8 p.m. ET. You can cast your ballot as long as you are in line when the polls close. Visit the state’s voter services portal for more details and to find your polling place.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
You need to show a federal or state-issued photo ID, such as a U.S. passport, Tennessee driver’s license, military photo ID, or handgun carry permit. A complete list of acceptable IDs is on the secretary of state’s website.
If you forget your ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot. You then have two business days after the election to present a valid photo ID at your county election commission’s office, where you must also sign an affidavit.
Voting with a Disability
If you need assistance filling out your ballot, you can get help from a poll worker or a person of your choice, as long as that person is not your employer, union official, or a candidate on the ballot.
Polling places will have accessible voting machines to help voters with disabilities cast their ballots privately and independently.
Voters with disabilities can also choose to vote via absentee ballot.
Voting from a Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Facility
Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities are eligible to vote via absentee by-mail ballot.
In 2024, lawmakers shortened the voting period in nursing homes from 29 days before an election to 27 days.
